If you have Facebook or access to any of the social networks, I am sure that you are not unawared to memes, comments and heated discussions on the subject of migration.
In recent months, some Cubans have embarked on a difficult path through mountains, rivers, cities, in a disorderly and illegal migration, extremely risky and costly.
However, in networks there are some phrases related to the subject that I cannot ignore. ?Nobody is going to stay in Cuba?, ?the one that does not emigrate is because he has no other option?, ?The one who stays has no aspirations?.
In the first place, it would be a fallacy to simplify the issue of emigration. It is not a phenomenon exclusive to Cuba, which is not among the 20 countries with the highest rates of migration, according to the report on migration in the world of the United Nations Organization (UN) in 2020.
Second, it is not the first time that this issue has dominated the national scene. In our history there are many moments marked by emigration, some of them I am sure you will remember: Camarioca in 1965, Mariel in 1980 and the so-called crisis of the rafters in 1994.
Thousands of Cubans left chasing the American dream, which I don’t think all of them achieved, even if they don’t say so. Pursuing your dreams is a right, no one is questioning that. Therefore I only ask for respect for those who stay because they want to. Because they do not lose hope of improving our future here.
Yes, there are people who stay in Cuba, don’t be surprised and they also have their dreams, other dreams, as valid as those of who seek theirs in other horizons. I know many who create, inspire and make revolution here on our Island and also deserve respect. After all, isn’t that what so-called democracy is about?
This matter that those who leave are the true dreamers and those who stay have limited their aspirations in life, it is not as real as they are trying to show. To believe that would be the same as denying my own existence and that of thousands who, like me, want to build Cuba by living it.
